Red Clover

Major therapeutic interest

• Treating disorders associated with menopause.

Other therapeutic interest / Traditional Use

• Treating osteoporosis and benign prostatic hyperplasia;
• Preventing cardiovascular disorders;
• Used as an expectorant to treat productive coughs and bronchitis;
• Used as a diuretic or depurative;
• Used as a topical application to treat burns, eczema, psoriasis, and ocular pain.

Parts used

Flowers

Main constituents

• Isoflavones (formononetin, biochanin A), flavonoids, sitosterols, coumarins (coumestrol), essential oil, saponins, phenolic acid compounds.

Cons-indications

• Breast or ovarian cancer, or if close relatives have been diagnosed with hormone-dependent cancer in as the isoflavones contained in red clover are phytoestrogens that may directly stimulate the growth of estrogen-dependent tumors;
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• Coagulation disorders;
• Systemic lupus erythematosus and protein S deficiency: Risk of thromboembolic complications.

Drug Interactions

Suspected interactions

• May enhance the effect of anticoagulant/antithrombotic drugs (Coumadin, Lovenox, heparin, etc.), antiplatelet drugs (Plavix, Ticlid), and of salicylic acid derivatives (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA], aspirin, Entrophen, etc.) and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (Voltaren, Ibuprofen [Advil, Motrin], Naprosyn, etc.);
• May decrease the effect of hormone replacement therapy (Premarine, Evista, etc.), tamoxifen (Tamofen), and oral contraceptives (Alesse, Diane-35, Marvelon, Min-Ovral, Ortho 0.5/35, Triphasil, etc.);
• May interact with certain antihypertensive and antiarrythmic medications (Cardizem [Diltiazem], Cozaar, Isoptin [Verapamil]), antilipemic agents (Mevacor, Zocor), antihistamines (Allegra), antifungal agents (Sporanox, Nizoral), hypnotics (Diazepam, Halcion), antibiotics (Erythromycin, Biaxin), immunosuppressors (Sandimmune, Neoral), antiviral medications (Norvir, Fortovase, Invirase), and many others.

Other names

Trifolium pratense, Meadow clover, Trifolium